The cricket season continues apace and we are now over half way. Two weekends of disappointing weather has left our various senior teams more or less in the middle of their respective leagues but with a great deal to play for in the remaining 9 games.
Our Junior sides are more than holding their own in their competitions and real progress is illustrated by the young players who have turned out in Senior Sides and made genuine contributions. We have more than a dozen players figuring prominently in the County Schools Age Group teams which is a tribute to the committed work carried out by Barry Pearson and the team of Junior Coaches. Tuesday evening introductory sessions have been well attended which bodes well for the future.
First team followers will be aware that Kyle Coetzer is missing a number of games due to professional coaching commitments with the Northern Diamonds and the Welsh Fire. To cover his absence South African James Prince has been engaged on a match by match basis-James experienced the NE Climate at its best on Saturday but as he has lived in Manchester for the last 7 years he seemed very familiar with the operation of the Covers and mats on the square.
On the squash front we are operating two teams in the Summer League both of which are doing well. Martin Avery tells me the two teams meet soon which should be an interesting clash. The squash section has 70 active members currently which is great to see.
Last Saturday evening following the deluge there was a memorable Summer Quiz hosted by Ross Marley in honour of his much missed father Fenwick who died earlier this year. Hundreds of pounds were raised by the packed Club to support the Tiny Lives Charity which is an organisation close to the heart of the Marley family. The mandatory Springsteen question duly arrived and there was a narrow win for the surviving members of the Ummagumma team which was fitting if less than universally popular. I must pay more attention to the Tour de France – it has 21 stages apparently.The social side of the Club continues to thrive and our unbeatable Wakes service operated by Janice Mussett has been very busy through the Summer. My thanks as ever to all the professionals who work for BHCC....not least Mark Charlton, Geoff and John Chambers who continue to strive to make the grounds look pristine.
Sunday July 23rd @11.00am sees the inauguration of five new benches that have been donated by the families of some of the great men in BHCC`s history. Messrs Lakey, McKinnell, Watts, Allen and Marley are the five gentlemen in question all of whom played prominent parts in our history. Please pause to read the inscriptions on the five benches that are located in front of the pavilion – each is moving in its own way. President Tom Williamson has led on this initiative in his own inimitable way for which many thanks are due.
Finally, please bear with the `temporary` Traffic Lights that have been placed at the gates. The permanent position is being negotiated with the City Council and we are rather in their hands. I will endeavour to keep you posted.
Very best wishes for the rest of the summer to all our players and members.
Simon Lunn
Mobile : 07791 683827
Email : simon.lunn@live.co.uk
